Yolo County court records, California, are available through several channels. YoloCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through the official online tools of the Superior Court of Yolo County, directly at the court clerk's office, or at public terminals in the courthouse in Woodland. Below is a practical guide to the court system, hearing calendar, obtaining document copies, and fees.
Yolo Court System & Jurisdictions
California operates a unified Superior Court system — one court per county, handling all case categories. Yolo County Superior Court, located in Woodland, is the only trial court in the county.
Cases handled by the Superior Court:
- Criminal — felonies, misdemeanors, and non-traffic violations. The Criminal Division handles these categories.
- Civil — claims of any amount, including contract disputes, tort claims, and restraining orders.
- Small Claims — claims up to $12,500 (for individuals), where attorneys do not represent parties.
- Family Law — divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence. More details on the Family Division page.
- Probate — estate cases, guardianship, conservatorship.
- Traffic Violations — fines, traffic infractions, DUI.
Federal cases (bankruptcy, federal law violations) are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Sacramento. Federal case searches are available through PACER.
Yolo County Superior Court
Yolo Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be viewed in several ways.
- Online Case Search. The court's online services site offers an Online Case Search tool. Enter the case number or party name — the system will show scheduled hearing dates.
- Real-time hearing viewing. The court offers Live Courtroom Services, allowing remote observation of hearings.
- Text message reminders. The Hearing Reminders Via Text service sends SMS notifications about upcoming hearings.
- In-person visit. The information desk in the courthouse on Main Street has public terminals with the current calendar.
If you are looking for arrest information rather than court hearings, the Woodland Police Department publishes an arrest log separately from the court calendar.
How to Get a Copy of a Yolo Court Document
Most court documents — complaints, judgments, minutes — are considered public unless a judge has sealed the case. Exceptions: juvenile cases, certain family cases, and sealed criminal records.
Certified and Regular Copies
A certified copy has the court's seal and clerk's signature, confirming authenticity. It is required for official purposes — filing in another court, immigration procedures, property registration. A regular copy is suitable for personal review.
How to Obtain a Copy
- Online. Through the online services portal, you can find the case and, in some instances, download documents. Electronic filing (eFile) is also available through this portal.
- In-person. Visit the court clerk's office at the address below. Requests are processed at the service counter.
- By mail. Send a written request with the case number, document name, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
Note: Dissolution of Marriage records are kept in the Civil Division of the Superior Court, not in the Clerk-Recorder's office.
Mailing address of the court clerk's office:
For property records, birth or death certificates, contact the Yolo County Clerk-Recorder. Birth and death certificates are also maintained by the California Department of Public Health — Vital Records.
Yolo Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to California Government Code §§ 70600–70677. Below are typical rates for the Superior Court; check with the clerk's office for the exact amount, as some fees are periodically reviewed.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular copy (first page) | $0.50 |
| Regular copy (each additional page) | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $40 per document |
| Case search by clerk (by name or number) | $15 per name/number |
| Receiving a copy of the court judgment by mail | Cost of copies + postage |
Payment methods: cash, check, money order payable to Yolo County Superior Court. Some online services accept credit and debit cards.
For documents held by the Clerk-Recorder (property deeds, mortgage documents, certificates), a separate fee schedule applies — it can be found on the official records and search page. Mail requests are processed within 1–2 business days of receipt.
If you need to check your own criminal record, contact the California DOJ to obtain a report through the Live Scan process. Record expungement in California is possible under certain conditions — details on the state courts' self-help portal.